November 20, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has voted unanimously to engage the NSW Rural Doctors Network to look at solutions to the Shire’s critical general practitioner shortage.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the Shire was at a historically low level of general practitioners, at a ratio of approximately one general practitioner to 3000 residents. That is believed to be one of the highest ratios in the Hunter New England Health area.

“While responsibility for health services rests with the State and Federal governments, we cannot sit by and watch the level of concern this issue is causing our community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I have received numerous representations from residents in our community expressing a great level of distress with the inability to gain an appointment to see a Gunnedah-based general practitioner.

“The implications of this shortfall are enormous. Not only is great pressure being placed on the dedicated practitioners we do have, but preventative check-ups are not happening and people are being forced to travel to see a doctor which is impacting on those practices. It is causing stress on people’s health, families and jobs, and is a handbrake to attracting new people to our otherwise very progressive economy.

“It makes sense to find solutions with the people who best understand the problem – and that is health professionals. The NSW Rural Doctors Network can work with our local health professionals to look at short, medium and long-term approaches to our situation.”

Council voted to engage NSW Rural Doctors Network, at no cost, to:

1. Collaborate with Gunnedah Shire Council, Hunter New England Health and other key stakeholders to identify a short, medium and long term approach to address General Practitioner shortages within Gunnedah Shire;
2. Consult with representatives from the Barber Street Medical Practice, Northwest Family Medical Centre, and the community of Gunnedah Shire;
3. Deliver to Council a Strategy which will list actions to address identified issues that will include but is not limited to a General Practitioner attraction and retention strategy for Gunnedah, and which Council can utilise to advocate through local State and Federal members to their respective governments to achieve the identified outcomes.

As part of these deliberations, Council voted to update and exhibit the Gunnedah Shire Council Medical Professionals Support Policy to include the provision of accommodation for doctors through subsidised rental accommodation.

Gunnedah Shire Council has also endorsed a submission to the NSW Government’s inquiry into health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote

Council’s submission outlines concerns with the shortage of general practitioners.

“Local GPs are effectively running a crisis medical service and preventative practice is non-existent,” the submission says.

“Those lucky enough to get an appointment with a local GP face long waits and appointments are significantly delayed or not sought until a health complaint has escalated to a critical level. The concept of an annual health check-up with a local GP is a luxury that is simply not attainable for many local people. The complete lack of preventative care has a compounding effect, creating further demand on local services and in turn further escalating an increasingly desperate situation.

“Undoubtedly, this will lead to a continuation of the ongoing decline in local health outcomes when compared against a metropolitan population and it may be many years before the full extent of this problem is apparent in health statistics.”

ENDS

Media contact: Communications Team (02) 6740 2100.

November 19, 2020

November is Asbestos Awareness Month and Gunnedah Shire Council is reminding residents to keep safety front of mind when dealing with asbestos.

The national campaign is aimed at alerting home renovators and tradespeople about the dangers of asbestos and provides information about safe management and disposal.

Gunnedah Shire Council Waste Manager Sheridan Cameron said it is likely homes built or renovated before 1987 contain asbestos in some form or another.

“If undisturbed and in a stable, sealed condition, asbestos is unlikely to pose health risks. However, the risk of inhaling asbestos fibres can occur during maintenance, removal, refurbishment or demolition of asbestos-containing materials,” Mrs Cameron said.

“Anyone embarking on home renovations should complete an asbestos safety check prior to commencing work and may need to engage a licenced removalist.

 “It can often be difficult to identify the presence of asbestos by sight. Where a material cannot be identified, it’s best to assume asbestos materials are present and take every precaution.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has an Asbestos Management Policy that sets out the roles and responsibilities of Council in managing asbestos.

“If you need to dispose of asbestos at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility, you must first arrange a booking by calling (02) 6742 3943. Anyone transporting and disposing of 100kg of asbestos waste in NSW must use the Waste Locate tracking system and have a valid consignment number.”

For further information and to view Gunnedah Shire Council’s Asbestos Management Policy visit https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/environment/public-environmental-health/asbestos.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 13, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is once again partnering with the Salvation Army for the annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Toy Appeal.

Now in its sixth year, the Christmas Tree Toy Appeal aims to connect the community through compassion by calling on residents to donate toys for distribution to local families in need over Christmas.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said Council was proud to partner with the Salvation Army to help make the festive season a little brighter for families who may be struggling.

“Last year over 230 items were donated to the Salvation Army for distribution to local families, highlighting the compassion and generosity of the Gunnedah community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The Salvation Army does a tremendous job supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community and they are expecting to see an increase in demand for services following a challenging year.

 “By adding an extra gift under the tree this year, you can help bring joy to local family facing tough times.

“I encourage those in a position to donate to get involved and help spread the Christmas cheer. I urge you to consider shopping locally for gifts as that will have a twofold benefit for our community. ”

New and unwrapped gifts can be placed under the Christmas tree located at Gunnedah Shire Council’s Administration Building (63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah) and at the Gunnedah Shire Library (291 Conadilly St, Gunnedah).

Gift ideas include toys, clothing and accessories, books, sporting goods, games, beauty products and gift vouchers. Locals are also encouraged to consider selecting gifts appropriate for older children.

For health and hygiene reasons, food items and pre-loved toys are unable to be donated.

Donations must be received before 5pm, Friday 11 December 2020 and will be distributed to local families in the lead up to Christmas.

Caption: Salvation Army Lieutenant Marika Wallis (left), Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Council Social and Community Planner Debra Hilton launch the 2020 toy appeal.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 12, 2020

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey has welcomed a draft determination from the NSW Electoral Commission’s Boundary Review that Gunnedah Shire remain in the state seat of Tamworth.

The report, released on Monday, identified Gunnedah as a growth shire, with the population expected to increase before 2029.

Cr Chaffey said the draft report was great news for Gunnedah.

“In July, there was unanimous support from Gunnedah Shire Councillors to make a submission to the review arguing for Gunnedah to stay in the state seat of Tamworth,” he said.

“Council had been made aware that the NSW Electoral Commission had received a number of proposals that would see Gunnedah Shire moved from the Tamworth electorate into the Barwon electorate.

“While it was disappointing to see politically motivated submissions pursuing the redistribution of Gunnedah, I am reassured that a pragmatic result has been achieved. This is a common sense decision that reflects the needs of local residents.

“There are solid arguments for Gunnedah remaining in the Tamworth electorate. Our nearest largest medical centre is in Tamworth, our air services connections to Brisbane and Sydney are via the Tamworth Airport, and our police services fall under the Oxley District Command which is based in Tamworth.

“Gunnedah Shire is a member of Namoi Unlimited – the joint organisation of councils working together in partnership across the Namoi region, and four out of five of those members are in the Tamworth electorate. Namoi Unlimited helps councils to collaborate, plan, set priorities and deliver important projects in regional NSW.

“It just makes sense for Gunnedah to remain in the Tamworth electorate. We are really pleased to see that this week’s report recognises that.

“It’s also good to see Gunnedah recognised as an area of growth, a forecast that supports our own expectations for the future.”

To read the Report of the Electoral Districts Redistribution Panel on the draft determination of the names and boundaries of electoral districts of New South Wales, visit elections.nsw.gov.au/redistribution

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 11, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council will usher in the festive season with the inaugural lighting of a Community Christmas Tree next Saturday, November 21.

The tree will be installed in Brock’s Court and the lighting ceremony will be held during the Two Rivers Arts Council (TRAC) Christmas Markets at 7:30pm.

Earlier this year Gunnedah residents were asked to vote for their preferred colour scheme. The new tree will be adorned with the chosen green, red and gold decorations.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree fosters a sense of community spirit.

“The installation of a community Christmas tree is part of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Invigorate Gunnedah COVID-19 recovery package, targeted at bringing vibrancy to our CBD,” Cr Chaffey said.

“A big, bright Christmas tree in the CBD brings cheer to the community and will act as a beacon for those visiting Gunnedah during the holiday season.

“I encourage those attending the markets next Saturday to come and observe the tree lighting up for the very first time, marking the beginning of an annual tradition.”

The TRAC Christmas Markets will be held on Saturday, November 21 from 3pm to 8pm at Wolseley Park. The tree lighting will commence at 7:30pm within Brock’s Court.

TRAC have a COVIDSafe plan in place for the markets and those gathering for the tree lighting should observe social distancing. 

Caption: An artist impression of the new Gunnedah community Christmas tree.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 9, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on local industry representatives to provide input for a proposed Intermodal Freight Terminal in Gunnedah.

Council has received funding from the $44 million Australian Government Interface Improvement Program to conduct a pre-feasibility study into a potential terminal at Gunnedah.

The pre-feasibility study will be conducted over the coming months and will assess a proposal to develop an intermodal freight terminal in Gunnedah that could maximise the long-term benefit of Inland Rail and enhance the region’s connection to the national freight rail network.

Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Cr Jamie Chaffey said the Gunnedah Shire is well positioned to benefit from opportunities generated by the Inland Rail.

“Inland Rail will help link producers to markets and create new opportunities for regional communities,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has been working with the support of business case advisors appointed through the Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program to assess the feasibility of a Gunnedah Intermodal Freight Terminal.

“We believe the project will have significant benefits for our supply chain as well as value adding opportunities for a range of industries and producers.

“Council is assisting with the consultation phase of the study and we are eager for local businesses to participate as stakeholders in the planning process.”

Those interested in participating can contact Council’s Economic Development team on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

For further information on Inland Rail and the Interface Improvement Program visit inlandrail.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 19, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is encouraging students currently considering their tertiary study options to submit an application for the 2021 Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund.

The fund is open to all local students under 25 wanting to further their training and education at university, TAFE, or an accredited training organisation.

A scholarship can help with expenses like:

• Purchasing textbooks,
• Relocation and other travel costs,
• Living expenses, and
• Contribution towards tuition fees.

This year applications have been extended so students have time to wait for their HSC results and UAC offer before applying for a scholarship.

Please visit https://gsc2380.wufoo.com/forms/m94azoc0w8src6/ for more information and to apply.

Applications close 5pm, Tuesday 12 January 2021.

November 5, 2020

NAIDOC Week 2020 is just around the corner, with celebrations planned from November 8 to November 15.

The NAIDOC theme for 2020 is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’, highlighting the ancient history of First Nations people, who have inhabited and cared for the continent for over 65,000 years.

Gunnedah Shire Council recognises the rich history of our First Nations people, which dates back thousands of generations and are celebrating NAIDOC 2020 with a variety of activities for the community.

There is a NAIDOC Week colouring competition, with copies available for collection at the Cultural Precinct and Gunnedah Shire Library. There are many prizes to be won and entries will be on exhibition at the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre for the month of November.

The NAIDOC week program also features an opportunity to discover indigenous creative practices, with a weaving workshop with Renee Horne and Carol Brydon from 10–2pm on Saturday 14 November, 2020.  

Kamilaroi artist Renee Horne said she was pleased to be hosting a weaving workshop with Aunty Carol Brydon as part of NAIDOC celebrations.

“She has spent over 40 years working in her craft and we are excited to share these skills with family, friends and community,” Ms Horne said.

Anthony Jack Conlan will also be hosting landscape painting workshop on 10-2pm on Sunday 15 November, 2020 and is looking forward to sharing his practices with the Gunnedah community.

 “I am excited to share symbolic representations of our aboriginal culture and celebrate our beautiful landscape as part of NAIDOC 2020,” Mr Conlan said.

The week will conclude with a free screening of the documentary In My Blood It Runs at The Civic from 4.30pm Sunday 15 November, 2020.

To reserve a place for the workshops visit www.thecivic.com.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 3, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s $100 million Regional Job Creation fund and is urging local businesses to take a closer look at whether their project could be eligible.

The NSW Government has said the Regional Job Creation Fund has been set up for businesses to establish or expand in regional NSW.

Up to $10 million in co-funding is being offered to activate or bring forward regional projects in engine, enabling or emerging engine industries. Examples of eligible projects could include the:

• replacement, upgrade or adaptation of plant and equipment at an existing regional NSW business
• establishment of an additional production line for an existing regional NSW business
• onshoring of activity currently done overseas to a regional NSW location
• development of new regional tourism experiences and visitor attractions
• relocation of a business operation from out of state to regional NSW.

The Regional Job Creation Fund’s focus is to co-fund projects creating at least five sustainable regional jobs.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the fund offered opportunities for existing and new businesses.

“The Regional Job Creation Fund could be a significant boost for any business on the brink of expansion, establishment or change,” Cr Chaffey said.

“With all that the Gunnedah Shire has to offer, the future is bright with confidence high. I am sure our business community will welcome the opportunity to grow and employee more local people, so I urge businesses who think they might be eligible to take a good look at this unique funding program.”

                                         
More information is available on the NSW Government link: https://www.investregional.nsw.gov.au/investment-support/regional-job-creation-fund/
ENDS
Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.

November 3, 2020

It’s less than 60 days until Christmas, which is still plenty of time to make your festive dollars ‘count in your home town.

Gunnedah Shire Council is a supporter of the Gunnedah Spirit of Christmas Shop Local promotion aimed at encouraging local spending in a year when our businesses need it most.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said last year’s campaign to boost local spending and keep the money local through Gunny Money gift cards had been a community success story, and Gunny Money was also a great gift idea for 2020.

“The Gunnedah Spirit of Christmas Shop Local promotion is a wonderful initiative by the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry supported by Gunnedah Shire Council,” Cr Chaffey said.

“There are fantastic prizes, including a car, and the promotion is an innovative way to bring the community together for a Christmas celebration when we can’t have the Christmas Fair.

“Last year, the relaunch of Gunny Money in time for Christmas proved an overwhelming success. Since the program began, more than $290,000 has been loaded on to the gift cards. About $55,000 has been spent locally through card redemptions in the past year. It has been a fantastic boost to our local retailers.

“The best thing we can do this year to support our local people and businesses is to keep our spending local, and Gunny Money is a great way to do that. A Gunny Money gift card can be redeemed at 100 business and services from care for your pets to the movies and cafes.

“When you are shopping for your friends and loved ones, consider what Gunnedah has to offer first. Keeping the spending in town makes for a Christmas to celebrate for all of us.”

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.